Blog / December 1, 2023 / Vinny Gentile / UPDATED August 9, 2024

Top 10 Food Influencers in the Industry 2024

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    Top food influencers you can work with to level up your restaurant branding game!

    You’ve seen them as you’ve scrolled through Instagram and TikTok. They’ve shown up in your YouTube suggestions feed. Or maybe you’ve even partnered with them to market your own culinary creations.

    Food influencers are a pillar of the modern US food industry. Whether it’s through breathtaking presentations, innovative takes on classic recipes, or simply their charm and creativity, a top food influencer always leaves us hungry for their next post.

    Let’s explore some of the leading food influencers, delve into their specialties, and discover how you can draw inspiration from their work to market your food business.

    NoNameInstagram
    Followers*
    TikTok
    Followers*
    1@foodgod~3.8m~8.6m
    2@deliciouslyella~2.3m~91.4k
    3@davidchang~1.7m~271k
    4@blackforager~1.6m~4.4m
    5@foodbeast~1.6m~1.9m
    6@thejoshelkin~1m~1.9m
    7@bingingwithbabish~1m~397k
    8@starinfinitefood~691k~133.4k
    9@howtocakeit~385k~319.7k
    10@amandafrederickson~104kN/a

    *The follower count is accurate as of the first published date.


    1. Jonathan Cheban – @foodgod

    With over 10M followers across Instagram and TikTok, @foodgod, curated by Jonathan Cheban–an American reality TV personality, features a vibrant mix of food-related content. It showcases luxurious, visually appealing dishes from around the world, often highlighting extravagant and unique culinary experiences.

    Cheban shares:

    • Decadent meals and stunning over-the-top desserts
    • High-end dining spots & reviews
    • Food Hacks

    Cheban knows how to make content go viral and reach food lovers everywhere, something we can all learn a thing or two from.

    Website: http://www.foodgod.com
    Instagram: 3.8m followers on @foodgod
    TikTok: 8.6m followers on @foodgod
    Twitter (X): 620k followers on @foodgod
    YouTube: 21.9k subscribers on @Foodgod
    Contact: krg@komboventures.com (business inquiries)

    2. Ella Mills – @deliciouslyella

    A UK champion of plant-based cuisine, Ella’s creations serve as a testament to the variety of rich flavors among vegan palates.

    In addition to showcasing Ella’s own creative prowess, her brand, ‘Deliciously Ella,’ is a treasure trove for anyone looking to embark on a plant-based journey. Here’s what you can expect:

    • Fast, delicious, and healthy plant-based recipes
    • The ultimate guide to home-made smoothies and juices
    • A collection of cookbooks filled with curated insights and tips for vegan cooking

    From seasoned chefs to home cooks, Ella Mills caters to a wide audience of some 2.3 million followers. With passion and a pinch of style, she truly makes plant-based cuisine an art form.

    Website: https://www.deliciouslyella.com/
    Instagram: 2.3m followers on @deliciouslyella
    TikTok: 91.4k followers on @_deliciouslyella
    Twitter (X): 179.8k followers on @DeliciouslyElla
    YouTube: 302k subscribers on @Deliciously Ella
    Contact: ella@deliciouslyella.com

    3. David Chang – @davidchang

    David Chang is a Chef, Author, and Founder of the Momofuku restaurant group. 

    @davidchang’s Instagram typically features a mix of:

    • Culinary exploration
    • Behind-the-scenes glimpses into the food world
    • Cultural insights about cuisine
    • Cooking tips from a renowned Chef
    • Advocacy for various causes within the food industry.

    He often shares his experiences with diverse cuisines, discusses the cultural significance of dishes, and uses his platform to address topics like sustainability and supporting local producers.

    Website: https://momofuku.com/
    Instagram: 1.7m followers on @davidchang
    TikTok: 91.4k followers on @_deliciouslyella
    Twitter (X): 344k followers on @DavidChang
    Facebook: 96k followers on @Momofuku
    YouTube: 14.4k subscribers on @Majordomo Media
    Contact: customerservice@momofuku.com

    4. Alexis Nikole – @blackforager 

    A TikTok and Instagram star, Alexis introduces her followers to the wonders of nature, and how foraged ingredients can elevate your dishes.

    Boasting over 4 million followers, Alexis and her adventurous escapades continue to fascinate us. Whether it’s ‘lemonade’ extracted from foraged berries or homemade rosewater, Alexis loves showing the world how your everyday shrubbery just might be the secret ingredient to a delicious treat.

    As Alexis cautions, foraging can be unpredictable. So, while we can’t recommend venturing out into the woods for your next meal, we can recommend watching her do so.

    With an environmental science degree and infectious enthusiasm, Alexis is the go-to food influencer for botanical knowledge packaged into short, entertaining videos.

    Instagram: 1.6m followers on @blackforager
    TikTok: 4.4m followers on @alexisnikole
    Twitter (X): 82.3k followers on @blackforager
    YouTube: 42k subscribers on @BlackForager
    Contact: AlexisNikoleNelsonTeam@unitedtalent.com

    5. Foodbeast – @foodbeast

    @foodbeast’s Instagram typically features diverse and engaging content centered around food trends, innovative recipes, food hacks, and culinary experiences. 

    They often post about:

    • Viral Food Creations: Videos spotlighting trending or unique food creations that have gained attention across social media platforms, like over-the-top milkshakes, giant food challenges, or unconventional food pairings.
    • Innovative Recipes: Demonstrations of inventive and creative recipes that might include fusion cuisine, DIY food projects, or unique spins on classic dishes.
    • Food Challenges: Videos featuring food-related challenges, whether it’s massive food portions, eating competitions, or trying unusual food combinations.
    • Behind-the-Scenes Culinary Experiences: Glimpses into culinary events, food festivals, or interviews with chefs and food personalities, offering insights into the food industry and unique food experiences.

    If you’re hosting a food-centered event, @foodbeast would be a great partner or inspiration for content!

    Website: https://www.foodbeast.com/
    Instagram: 1.6m followers on @foodbeast
    TikTok: 1.9m followers on @yungfoodbeast

    6. Josh Elkin – @thejoshelkin

    Josh Elkin is known for his creative and indulgent approach to cooking, often showcasing unique recipes and culinary challenges

    Examples of his recent content include:

    • Recipe Creations: Videos featuring Josh creating indulgent and creative recipes, such as over-the-top burgers, extravagant desserts, or unique twists on classic dishes.
    • Cooking Challenges: Videos showcasing cooking challenges or experiments, where Josh might attempt to create a dish using limited ingredients or recreate popular restaurant items at home.
    • Collaborations or Culinary Adventures: Collaborations with other chefs, and food personalities, or exploring different cuisines, either through travel or by trying out diverse recipes and cooking styles.
    • Food Entertainment: Entertaining and engaging food-related content, including cooking tips, food hacks, or humorous culinary skits.

    Josh is a staple in food entertainment media!

    Instagram: 1.m followers on @thejoshelkin
    TikTok: 1.9m followers on @thejoshelkin
    YouTube: 197k followers on @TheJoshElkin
    Contact: gerald.leonard@thedigitalbrandarchitects.com

    7. Binging With Babish – @bingingwithbabish

    Andrew (@bingingwithbabish) creates a mix of content centered around cooking, food inspiration, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into his culinary creations. 

    He showcases:

    • Recipes recreations
    • Cooking tips
    • Kitchen adventures.

    He often shares snippets from his YouTube show, where he recreates iconic dishes from movies, TV shows, and popular culture. 

    He is best known for videos showcasing the step-by-step process of recreating iconic dishes from movies or TV shows, such as making the “Krabby Patty” from SpongeBob SquarePants or the “Parks and Recreation” burger.

    Website: https://www.bingingwithbabish.com/
    Instagram: 1.m followers on @bingingwithbabish
    TikTok: 2.3m followers on @babishculinaryuniverse
    YouTube: 10.2m followers on @babishculinaryuniverse
    Twitter (X): 188.8k followers on @BingingWBabish
    Contact: bingingwithbabish@gmail.com

    8. Caitlin Greene – @starinfinitefood

    Gaining popularity for her innovative recipes and presentation styles, Caitlin Greene blends her cooking and photography expertise to curate an unrivaled collection of food photos and engaging stories. 

    With over 700K followers, both her Instagram and TikTok accounts highlight simple and tasty recipes, complete with easy-to-follow instructions. Her “recipe box” features standout hits that are organized to cater to specific diets. Particularly tempting examples include:

    • Paleo Chinese orange chicken tenders
    • Vegan curried pumpkin sweet potato soup
    • Keto creamy Tuscan basil garlic shrimp
    • Grain-, nut-, and dairy-free varieties of other popular recipes
    Website: https://starinfinitefood.com/
    Instagram: 712k followers on @starinfinitefood
    TikTok: 133.4k followers on @starinfinitefood
    Contact: cgreene.foodblog@gmail.com

    9. Yolanda Gampp – @howtocakeit 

    With a flair for the creative, Yolanda crafts cakes, cookies, and other treats that are both visually stunning and delectably sweet, reaching over 600K followers across TikTok and Instagram.

    Here are just a few of her mouthwatering creations:

    • Do-it-yourself lava cake for two
    • Overnight Swiss meringue buttercream
    • Pumpkin spice cinnamon rolls

    And the list goes on. Yolanda’s simple and easy-to-follow recipes guarantee delicious treats for any season or occasion. 

    With an active Instagram account demonstrating her handiwork and a YouTube channel offering more detailed how-to baking guides, Yolanda is undisputably the queen of food influencers when it comes to creative, novelty desserts.

    Website: https://howtocakeit.com/
    Instagram: 385k followers on @howtocakeit
    TikTok: 3.6m followers on @how.to.cake.it
    Twitter (X): 24.3k followers on @yolanda_gampp
    YouTube: 4.27m followers on @HowToCakeIt
    Contact: shop@howtocakeit.com

    10. Amanda Frederickson – @amandafrederickson

    Amanda Frederickson is known for her approachable yet stylish take on cooking and often shares recipes, cooking tips, and moments from her kitchen.

    Examples of her typical videos include:

    • Recipe Demonstrations: Videos showcasing step-by-step recipe tutorials for various dishes, such as making a quick weeknight pasta, a creative salad, or a dessert recipe.
    • Kitchen Tips and Hacks: Short videos sharing useful kitchen hacks, ingredient tips, or techniques to make cooking more efficient and enjoyable.
    • Healthy Eating Ideas: Videos featuring nutritious recipes or tips on incorporating healthier ingredients into everyday meals without compromising flavor.
    • Culinary Lifestyle Content: Occasionally, she might share glimpses into her culinary lifestyle, including meal prep ideas, cooking routines, or recommendations for kitchen tools and equipment.
    Website: https://www.amandafrederickson.com/
    Instagram: 104k followers on @amandafrederickson
    YouTube: 7.8k followers on @AmandaFrederickson

    Why Restaurants Need Food Influencers

    With their vast reach and authentic touch, a single food influencer can skyrocket a restaurant’s popularity overnight. In fact, collaborations can spark fresh ideas and events, while menu highlights and partnerships can create a buzz that’s irresistible to foodies.

    By collaborating with food influencers, restaurants tap into a vast digital audience, ensuring their dishes reach the screens (and eventually, the plates) of countless food enthusiasts.

    In short, for restaurants aiming to thrive, teaming up with food influencers is the recipe for success!

    Expand your food influence with ghost kitchens

    Imagine seeing a mouth-watering dish showcased by a favorite influencer—and then ordering that very dish from a ghost kitchen in moments. The overlap of social media with instant culinary gratification is reshaping how we experience food, turning these experiences into reality. For food entrepreneurs, this digital synergy offers an opportunity. 

    By expanding into ghost kitchens, like those available through CloudKitchens, restaurateurs can cater to the always-online food delivery market—without needing to worry about the overhead costs of operating a traditional dine-in space. 

    CloudKitchens further simplifies the process with the in-kitchen software you need to combine all delivery app orders into a single tablet. If you’re planning to open a commercial kitchen in Austin or other major cities in the US,  contact our experts to see how our ghost kitchens can streamline the logistics and get you firing up the grills sooner rather than later.

    Explore ghost kitchen locations across the US:

    DISCLAIMER: This information is provided for general informational purposes only and the content does not constitute an endorsement. CloudKitchens does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of any information, text, images/graphics, links, or other content contained within the blog content. We recommend that you consult with financial, legal, and business professionals for advice specific to your situation.

    Sources:

    Shane Barker. 20 Top Food Influencers to Follow in 2023. https://shanebarker.com/blog/food-influencers/

    Amra & Elma. 100 TOP FOOD INFLUENCERS TO FOLLOW IN 2023. https://www.amraandelma.com/top-food-influencers/